tank

Definition

A closed container for liquids or gases.

Etymology

From Portuguese tanque (“tank, liquid container”), from an Indo-Aryan language, likely Gujarati ટાંકી (ṭā̃kī, “cistern”) or Marathi टांकी (ṭāṅkī). Compare the Arabic verb اِسْتَنْقَعَ (istanqaʕa, “to become stagnant, to stagnate”). In the sense of armoured vehicle, first attested in 1915, prototypes were described as tanks for carrying water to disguise their nature as well as due to physical resemblance.

Example Sentences

• "The propane is stored in these tanks."
• "The tank contains unfiltered water. You really shouldn't drink from that."
• "The other room was a kitchen, with an open fireplace, a safe, a dresser and a tin sink, with a tap from the tank outside."